Mayoral race reaches zero hour

Brandon’s two mayoral candidates continued to make their final pushes on Tuesday as voters head to the polls today to elect the next mayor and council.

Incumbent Mayor Jeff Fawcett said he and his team have been to nearly every doorstep across the city, while challenger Len Isleifson said he has covered most parts of Brandon and was on a second round in some areas.

“I’m working my tail off to try to make sure that people do get out to vote, and the people I speak to, I feel fairly optimistic,” said Fawcett, who is running for his second term. “But people have to vote.”

The Sun joined both Fawcett and Isleifson as they went door-knocking on the eve of the election.

Fawcett knocked on doors on Rosser Avenue and Antelope Place just after 10 a.m., handing out campaign flyers and talking with residents who were at home during the workday.

“I love being on the doors and meeting with people, talking with people, and being out on the doors,” he said. “Actually, at the end of every night, I’m generally feeling good and it’s inspiring.”

Fawcett said his four years as mayor have included big decisions around managing growth, and that voters realize the city has been moving in the right direction. He said his role as an advocate for the city and for other local organizations is a positive aspect of his leadership.

During the election campaign, Fawcett said, he has heard a lot of comments about traffic and how the city should manage growth. He has also heard about local issues related specifically to a certain neighbourhood or street.

As the Sun followed him door-knocking on Antelope Lane, one resident took the opportunity to tell Fawcett about drainage issues and the related crumbling on the short residential street.

Isleifson’s campaigning in the afternoon took him just blocks away on Imperial Crescent and Imperial Place. While most people weren’t at home, the former city councillor and Brandon East MLA left flyers in mailboxes and gave out his contact information for residents who have ideas for the city.

“It’s time for change, and I’m hearing it at a few doors, quite a bit more lately than originally. But you got to get out and vote,” Isleifson told the Sun.

Isleifson said a lot of the feedback he has received has been about sidewalks and roads, with some people concerned about infrastructure or other “big-ticket” items.

“I think people want to see change and they want to see opportunity for the future, and I’m hearing that at the doors,” he said, adding that’s not just for the mayor’s seat, but for some ward councillor seats as well.

His objective, he said, is simply to make a “better Brandon” — a place to retire, raise a family and get educated.

“The feedback I’m getting is extremely positive,” Isleifson said.

One resident who answered the door to Isleifson told the Sun he is “definitely” going to vote for the mayoral challenger.

“There’s no use complaining if you don’t do something about it,” Ken Hardy said. “So I vote every election.”

Hardy said a speed bump to slow down drivers in his neighbourhood and lower water rates are his priorities, while Mary Hardy said she wants more restaurants in the city, including nicer ones.

Nancy Hargreaves said she’ll be casting her ballot today, and that along with Fawcett, she’s only seen Ward 3 candidate Quentin Derhak door-knocking at her home.

“I like that. That’s who I vote for. Like they might have all good policies … but I like the ones that I see,” Hargreaves said.

Another resident who answered their door told Isleifson that they will be voting for Fawcett.

Brandonites can vote at the following ward locations from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.:

• Ward 1: Monterey Estates Recreation Hall (40 Mockingbird Dr.) and Brandon Community Sportsplex (30 Knowlton Dr.)

• Ward 2: North End Community Centre (1313 Stickney Ave.) and Park Community Centre (1428 Louise Ave.)

• Ward 3: Victoria Inn, Salons 2 and 3 (3550 Victoria Ave.) and McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.)

• Ward 4: McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church (635 McDiarmid Dr.) and Valleyview Community Centre (77 Whillier Dr.)

• Ward 5: Shoppers Mall (1570 18th St.) and Richmond Park Church (1525 26th St.)

• Ward 6: Brandon School Division office (1031 Sixth St.) and the Dome Building (1200 13th St.)

• Ward 7: Redeemer Church (114 Ashgrove Blvd.) and Richmond Park Church (1525 26th St.)

• Ward 8: Shoppers Mall (1570 18th St.) and Trinity United Church (1515 Sixth St.)

• Ward 9: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 3 (560 13th St. East) and East End Community Centre (405 Park St.)

• Ward 10: Green Acres Community Centre (411 Queens Ave. East) and Bethel Brandon (440 Richmond Ave.)

There are also four voting locations that people from all wards can vote at: the Brandon Community Sportsplex at 30 Knowlton Dr., the East End Community Centre at 405 Park St., the Victoria Inn Salons 2 and 3 at 3550 Victoria Ave. and the Dome Building at 1200 13th St.

» alambert@brandonsun.com